Cluny House Gardens
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Cluny House Gardens

4.8
·269 reviews·, United Kingdom

A hidden horticultural gem in Highland Perthshire, famed for its towering specimen trees and abundant red squirrel population. A tranquil escape for n...

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Spring mornings

Rhododendrons & trilliums bloom

CrowdLow
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Cluny House Gardens

Cluny House Gardens

Best Time

Spring mornings

Rhododendrons & trilliums bloom

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A hidden horticultural gem in Highland Perthshire, famed for its towering specimen trees and abundant red squirrel population. A tranquil escape for nature lovers.

4.8
(269 reviews)

"An amazing secret gem. If you love gardens, this is a must see."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Exact Change for Entry

Entry is by exact change only. Have cash ready to avoid any hassle! :moneybag:

👟 Sturdy Footwear Recommended

Paths can be steep and uneven, especially after rain. Comfortable walking shoes are a must! :athletic_shoe:

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Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.8 · 269 reviews

Type

Garden

👶 Good for kids🅿️ Accessible parking

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Giant Sequoias

Giant Sequoias

Throughout the gardens

Stand in awe beneath these colossal Wellingtonias, some of the largest trees in the UK. A truly humbling sight!

Red Squirrel Haven

Red Squirrel Haven

Near feeding stations

Watch these charismatic creatures up close as they forage for nuts. A delightful and frequent sight for visitors.

Woodland Wonders

Woodland Wonders

Woodland paths

Explore a diverse collection of rare and exotic plants, including Cardiocrinums, Arisaemas, and vibrant perennials.

Tree Bumblebee Nest

Tree Bumblebee Nest

Fallen tree

Discover a unique tree bumblebee nest, a fascinating glimpse into the world of these vital pollinators.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Wild Charm

Cluny House Gardens is a hidden gem for nature lovers. Expect a truly immersive experience with towering trees and abundant wildlife. Wear comfortable shoes for exploring its natural, sometimes steep, paths. Cash is preferred for entry, so come prepared!

Wildlife Encounters & Tree Wonders

This garden is renowned for its magnificent specimen trees, including giant sequoias, and its resident red squirrels. Visit during spring for rhododendrons and trilliums, or autumn for a different kind of magic. Be patient and quiet for the best wildlife viewing opportunities.

Best Times

When
Spring mornings
Why
Rhododendrons & trilliums bloom
Crowd
Low
When
Autumn afternoons
Why
Vibrant foliage & squirrels
Crowd
Medium
When
Anytime, if raining
Why
Peaceful escape, fewer crowds
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

A perfect day of garden visiting today with sisters. The first few shots are of the fascinating Cluny House woodland gardens near Aberfeldy. Cardiocrinums, giant redwoods, cornus, arisaemas, and so much more. All in the expert hands of @tchristian0187 who was there to answer our many questions. We must return in the spring. Also visited the stunning Bradiestone near Murthly with its stunning grav...
sarah_rivett_carnac
99 likes • 1.3K views

🎯 Exact Change for Entry

Entry is by exact change only. Have cash ready to avoid any hassle! :moneybag:

👟 Sturdy Footwear Recommended

Paths can be steep and uneven, especially after rain. Comfortable walking shoes are a must! :athletic_shoe:

What a start to the day with @claremackieillustration at the wonderful Cluny House Gardens #Aberfeldy #HighlandPerthshire #Bigtreecountry Seamus finally #backtothewild where he belongs #wildlife #nature #redsquirrel #giantsequoia the first tree he climbed! #success
pollypullar
177 likes • 1.5K views
We found a tree bumblebee nest! The nest is in a tree which came down during Storm Arwen at Cluny House Gardens. Tree bumblebees have taken over nesting where the blue tits left off 🥰 @bumblebeeconservationtrust @clunyhouse #bumblebees #beesofinstagram #nesting #invertebrates #beesofinstagram #wildlifewalks❤️🐰 #gardens
aquilacic
30 likes • 1.4K views

🐿️ Squirrel Spotting Tips

Be quiet and patient near feeding stations for the best chance to see red squirrels up close. :camerawithflash:

🚗 Parking Precautions

The car park is small. Larger vehicles might prefer to park and walk up the road. 🚗

This magnificent Wellingtonia is one of two at Cluny House Gardens. If you are in Aberfeldy area, it's a must see 😊 #garden #gardening #gardeninspiration #gardensofinstagram🌿🌱🌻 #scottish #aberfeldy
teaselgarden
3 likes • 34 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Exact Change for Entry

Entry is by exact change only. Have cash ready to avoid any hassle! :moneybag:

👟 Sturdy Footwear Recommended

Paths can be steep and uneven, especially after rain. Comfortable walking shoes are a must! :athletic_shoe:

🐿️ Squirrel Spotting Tips

Be quiet and patient near feeding stations for the best chance to see red squirrels up close. :camerawithflash:

🚗 Parking Precautions

The car park is small. Larger vehicles might prefer to park and walk up the road. 🚗

🌸 Plant Lover's Paradise

Bring your plant identification app! The gardens boast an incredible array of specimen trees and perennials. :seedling:

What Travellers Say

4.8
(269 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Cluny House Gardens is widely praised as a 'secret gem' and a 'must-see' for garden lovers, lauded for its expert curation, magnificent specimen trees like Giant Sequoias, and abundant red squirrel population. Visitors appreciate the peaceful atmosphere and the dedication evident in its upkeep. Some minor drawbacks include a small car park and the need for exact cash payment.

"An amazing secret gem. If you love gardens, this is a must see. Curated with love and expertise, the proprietors have created a garden that surpasses many of the more well know properties. We just happened upon it and are so glad we stopped. The extensive collection of specimen trees (2 giant sequoias amongst them!) and perennials (especially trilliums) is not to be believed."

Leslie Gregg

"Wonderful gardens, its exact change only for entry.

Loved the little information cards, we ended up spending two hours walking through in the pouring rain looking for everything mentioned! Lots of red squirrels - so calm having you coming right up to em! Wonderful big red wood too.

Car park is small ( 8 cars max ), road even smaller but well maintained. Mercifully we never met anyone coming down once we turned onto the wee-er road to get to the house.

Would visit again especially in Spring!"

andrew meikle

"Lovely, so peaceful and relaxing, listening to birds singing and watching lots of Red squirrels at the feeding station next to the amazing Sequoia tree.
Rhododendrons in bloom, and grounds very well kept, some parts are steep but plenty of benches for a rest along the way.
Dog friendly"

Kerry Hancock

What People Like

Magnificent specimen trees
Abundant red squirrels
Expertly curated gardens

What People Dislike

Small car park
Exact cash payment required

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Cluny House Gardens is located near Aberfeldy in Highland Perthshire. While the car park is small, it's manageable for most cars. For larger vehicles like campers, it's recommended to park and walk up the road to avoid potential difficulties on the narrow access route. Reddit

Public transport options to reach Cluny House Gardens are limited. It's best accessed by car. If relying on public transport, you would likely need to take a bus to Aberfeldy and then arrange local transport or a taxi to the gardens. Reddit

The road leading to Cluny House Gardens is described as narrow, especially the final stretch. While well-maintained, drivers are advised to be cautious, particularly if meeting oncoming traffic. Reddit

Yes, Cluny House Gardens can be a rewarding day trip from Edinburgh or Glasgow, though it's a significant drive. Plan for at least a 1.5 to 2-hour journey each way, allowing ample time to explore the gardens and enjoy the scenery. TikTok

Cluny House Gardens is situated in the beautiful Highland Perthshire region, close to Aberfeldy. Nearby attractions include The Hermitage, Queen's View, and various walking trails, making it a great base for exploring the area. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Entry to Cluny House Gardens is by exact change only. While specific prices can vary, visitors have noted it's a small fee, making it an affordable and worthwhile visit. Reddit

No, advance booking is typically not required for Cluny House Gardens. Entry is usually on a walk-in basis, with payment collected via an honesty box system using exact change. Reddit

Opening hours can vary seasonally. It's advisable to check their official website or social media for the most up-to-date information on opening times before your visit. Instagram

Yes, Cluny House Gardens is dog-friendly. Visitors can bring their well-behaved dogs along to enjoy the peaceful surroundings. Reddit

The primary payment method accepted at Cluny House Gardens is exact cash. There is an honesty box system in place, so be sure to bring the correct change. Reddit

🎫 🌿 Onsite Experience

Don't miss the two magnificent Giant Sequoias (Wellingtonias), which are truly awe-inspiring. The gardens are also famous for their extensive collection of specimen trees, vibrant perennials like trilliums and blue poppies, and the chance to see red squirrels. InstagramReddit

While beautiful, some parts of Cluny House Gardens are steep. There are benches along the way for resting, but visitors with mobility concerns should be aware of the terrain. Reddit

Cluny House Gardens is a haven for wildlife, most notably red squirrels that are often seen at feeding stations. You might also spot various bird species and, as one visitor noted, even a tree bumblebee nest. InstagramReddit+1

Most visitors spend around two hours exploring Cluny House Gardens, especially if they are keen plant enthusiasts or enjoy wildlife spotting. The extensive collection of trees and plants can easily captivate you for that duration. Reddit

Information regarding specific facilities like restrooms or cafes is not widely available. It's advisable to assume limited facilities and plan accordingly, perhaps bringing your own refreshments. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

The towering Giant Sequoias offer dramatic photographic opportunities. Capture the intimate moments with red squirrels near the feeding stations, and frame the diverse flora along the woodland paths. The interplay of light through the canopy is also beautiful. Instagram+1

Yes, photography is generally welcomed at Cluny House Gardens. It's a fantastic place to capture stunning natural landscapes and wildlife. Remember to be respectful of other visitors and the environment. Instagram

Early morning or late afternoon often provide the best light for photography, creating softer shadows and a more atmospheric feel. However, the gardens are beautiful at any time, and overcast days can be excellent for capturing vibrant plant colors without harsh glare. Instagram

There is no specific information available regarding drone usage. It's always best to err on the side of caution and assume drone photography may not be permitted to respect the tranquility of the gardens and wildlife. Instagram

A versatile lens, such as a 24-70mm or a 70-200mm, would be ideal for capturing both the grand scale of the trees and the details of the flora and wildlife. A wide-angle lens can also be useful for the majestic trees. Instagram

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